2021: LET'S MAKE IT AN AMAZING YEAR!

     Happy New Year everyone!! In just 2 days we will be ringing in a brand new year. Like many of you, I am so so happy 2020 is over! I almost wish we had a "Do over" when it comes to this past year. Wouldn't that be great? It reminds me of when I was a kid playing touch football in the street with kids who lived up the block from me. It was usually 3 on 3. One of the kids would throw a pass and another kid would make the catch along the curb. We were not sure he had 2 feet inbounds so we would all argue. Finally we would all say "Do Over" and then we would replay that down. Obviously we cannot redo 2020. There are no Deloreans available to go "back in time!" I never thought I would be working more at Home Depot than Chick Fil-A in 2020 nor did I ever think I would only do 2 ministry opportunities. 2020 had its challenges and we can all say we survived. My heart breaks for those of you who may have lost loved ones or had family members lose their jobs or businesses. 2021 is another year of opportunities. We can only take it one day at a time. I am certainly not prophetic in saying what will happen in 2021. I can only say one thing. God is in control! January 1st will turn into January 2nd and so on. Each day will have it's opportunity and we can only make it as good as we want. God has a plan for each of us. Let's remember to put our trust in Him 100%. Thank you all for reading my blog. I will continue to write and I appreciate you all so much!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!    

 

2020! THE YEAR WE WILL NEVER FORGET AND WANT TO FORGET!

     In just 9 days, this incredibly crazy year we have had will be over. All we can say is....."WOW!" Last January, I made plans and set goals for the new year. I was hoping to start a new ministry as a Child Evangelist. I set the goal of possibly traveling to churches and camps by the summer. I was also working on a program where I could bring a kids program to local libraries. I had an idea to do a show on "Bullying" using puppets, games and props. I also was hoping to keep my 3 jobs which were at Chick Fil-A, Home Depot and being a personal assistant to a handicapped college student. Well, as we all know those plans were derailed. I never got to travel as a child evangelist or go into libraries. My job as a personal assistant ended in March and never resumed. Chick Fil-A was forced to close for three weeks in March but reopened in April but with limited hours. My part time job at Home Depot became my full time job for a season and was and is a huge blessing. 

     

     In 2020, there were many new terms that were introduced. Social Distancing, Covid-19, Coronavirus and "quarantine" just to name a few. We had to wear masks in public, churches were forced to have services online and Zoom became a big thing. When I was a kid, it was a popular kids show on PBS. Nowadays it's an App that is used by businesses, families  and gatherings. We had to stay 6 feet apart and we could not hug or shake hands with anyone. Kids were home from school and were forced to do "Virtual learning." Many businesses were forced to close and many around the world lost their jobs and were unemployed. Many families had a chance to bond with each other as they had to stay home. All I can say is I'm glad its almost over. I realize we are not totally out of the woods with this lousy coronavirus and we have a ways to go. I just pray it all ends real soon and we can get back to "real life." I don't know about you, but I'm getting tired of wearing a mask!

     So what did we learn this year? I know for myself I learned that the plans I make are not necessarily God's plans. I learned to trust in God and allow Him to control my life no matter what I am going thru. I learned that valuable time with loved ones is important. I also learned that God is bigger than coronavirus, bigger than decisions made by our government and He will always have the final say. So with all that said, "Here's to an amazing 2021!!"

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!   

 

THE T.V. COMMERCIAL I ABSOLUTELY CAN'T STAND!!

     There is a GMC truck commercial that has been on television for the past few years that I absolutely cannot stand. Every time it's on TV I always change the channel or, if I DVR'd one of my old shows or a Giants football game, I always fast forward past it. I do have to say the two actors in it did a great job acting, but the company suits at GMC did not convince me at all to buy a truck or in the case of this commercial two vehicles. 

     Here's the scenario...A wife walks over to her husband who is sitting at a table. They look as though they are wealthy. Their home looks like a mansion. She buys him a gift and says "There's one for me and one for you." I really can't tell what she gave him but he kindly tells her "I love it." He then tells her he bought something for her. They walk outside and it's a red SUV and a black truck. As he is about to tell her the red SUV is her's, she runs over to the black truck saying she loves it then she puts her arms out and says "I love it!" The husband then says "I love red." The announcer goes on explaining the cost and where to purchase these vehicles then the commercial ends. Or as I say "The torture is over!"

     Let me explain to you in no particular order why I cannot stand this commercial. Let's start from the beginning of the commercial. First, it looks as though the couple are in their early 30's. In today's economy, I don't know of very many 30 plus year old "Yuppie's" who are living in the lap of luxury. Not very many can afford one truck let alone two. It seems very unrealistic to me! I do appreciate the husband's reaction when his wife gave him a gift. What I really don't like is the end of the commercial. The husband tells his wife he got something for her. Yes, the red SUV. He says "One for me and one for you." The wife runs straight for the black truck. The only thing she says is "I love it." You can see the ungratefulness on her face as she runs for the truck. When she throws her arms out as she stands in front of the black truck, it's as if she is "staking her claim" and saying to her husband, "This is my black truck, you are getting the red SUV and don't you dare fight me on it or you will sleep on the couch." When the husband ends the commercial by saying "I like red", you can see he is a huge wimp and you can also see who clearly "wears the pants" in the family. I will never understand why the GMC people feel this commercial should remain on TV. It certainly doesn't give you any desire to buy a GMC truck or SUV. I don't know very many people who would buy TWO vehicles! What I see in this commercial is ungratefulness at it's finest. I see a spoiled wife who gets her way and a wimpy husband who can't stand up for himself. I realize it's a commercial and the actors in it are not really married to each other. They were paid good money to be in this commercial. I truly hope we are all grateful for what we have and for what we receive at Christmas. In what we call "real life" I hope we never act like the wife and the husband in this commercial. I pray we let others know we appreciate them and what they do for us!  Merry Christmas everyone!! 

        

 

THE CHRISTMAS CONNECTION

     When I Googled the name "Christmas Connection" to get a picture for this blog, a 2017 Christmas movie came up. This blog is not about the movie. I have never seen it nor do I even recognize the actors in the movie. This is about connecting the Christmas season with our Lord!

     Many years ago, someone came up with the idea that during the month of December, a lot of money could be made. Instead of just celebrating the birth of Christ, how about we cash in and make megabucks! Department stores went crazy selling merchandise and thus began what we affectionately call "The Christmas Season!" Here we are on Monday, December 7th and people around our globe are going nuts trying to buy gifts, put up decorations and put up their Christmas tree. They call it the Christmas Spirit! On December 24 & 25, churches will be packed out as long as we abide by social distancing. Isn't it sad to think that you can have hundreds of shoppers at Home Depot in the store at one time where people DO NOT social distance yet, at church we need to limit the number of people.  It makes me want to plant a church in the Garden Department at my Home Depot! That would go over big! At the same time many churches are full, December is also the month where suicides are on the rise. More suicides happen in the month of December than any other month. That makes me very sad! So what is the Christmas Connection?

     We all want happiness in our lives. On Facebook, we all post pictures of happy events or post things about accomplishments that family members have achieved . Of course we are proud and we should be! I would find it very strange if someone posted "Hey, I failed my English final in college" or "My son just got his 5th "DWI" this year." We post things that make us happy. Christmas is that time of year that makes us happy. I always feel a close connection with my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ when it's December. I love going to church and celebrating his birth. I have experienced that "Christmas Connection" for many years. I will admit there were some years I did not to be brutally honest. The one thing I have tried to do every year is to keep that connection every year well into the new year and beyond. I don't want to lose that fire and desire to know Jesus more. It reminds me of when you experience a weeklong mission trip in another country. You come home so pumped up and you want to tell everyone about your awesome experience yet you leave that enthusiasm in the country you were in. After a while that enthusiasm is gone. I pray for all of us that we continue to stay connected to Jesus even during this pandemic crazy December and year of 2020. I pray that into January and throughout 2021 we will have that "Christmas Connection" and that we will never lose the desire to know Jesus and get close to Him! 

     Merry Christmas everyone and stay "connected!"

HAVE A BLESSED WEEK AND REMEMBER JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON!       

 

THE BEST CHRISTMAS PRESENT EVER!!

     

     It's hard to believe it's December 2020! Christmas will be here in about 3 weeks. If you are like me, you are probably very happy 2020 is coming to a close. It seems as though many were trying to rush in the Christmas season. Working at Home Depot, I couldn't believe they were putting out Christmas merchandise towards the end of October! Once the Halloween decorations were down...BOOM...up went the Christmas lights, blow ups and lawn decorations! With this crazy Covid-19 Pandemic year we have had, it seems as though many people have been looking for something that will make them happy. We all love the Christmas lights, decorating our trees and getting presents. We love the Christmas spirit. It makes us happy! But is it the real reason for the season?

     Working at both The Home Depot and Chick Fil-A, I can see how cranky people are. This pandemic is getting under the skin of many people. All I can say is that in these past 2 months, I have seen cranky and I have seen crankier. I do feel bad for them and in looking in the eyes of these people, you know they are under a lot of stress. What they are looking for is happiness. When you look at commercials on television, the advertisers are trying to sell you items that will make you happy. New cars, new flat screen televisions, new mobile devices and the latest in clothing fashion. They want you to buy these items to give as gifts. Don't get me wrong, I love Christmas gifts. We all do. I have great memories of gifts I have received as a child as well as gifts I gave to loved ones. I will never forget an AFX car racetrack my parents bought my brother and I. My father a table for it and we raced our miniature stock cars for hours. After we moved to Long Island when CB radios were popular my brother and I were given our own CB radio. It was fun talking to friends and coming up with a "Handle name." I also remember my sister buying my brother and I the video game Pong. We thought it was so cool that you could play tennis on your TV as a little dot went back and forth. Although those were great gifts, they are certainly NOT the Best Christmas Present ever. After years of use, each of those things had to be thrown away. The Best Christmas present ever for me was on December 6, 1977. That was the night my Mom invited me to a Catholic/ Charismatic Prayer meeting. It was there I discovered that God loved me so much that He sent His one and only Son to this earth to die on the cross of Calvary for my sins. He took my place on the cross and took the punishment for me so that my sins would be forgiven. On that night I discovered that the only way I could possibly get to Heaven would be to ask Jesus to forgive me of my sins and receive His free gift of eternal life. With my Mom sitting next to me, I repeated a prayer that I learned later was called the "Sinner's Prayer" and asked Jesus to come into my heart. I discovered on that night that I was set free from all my sin and that after I die I would go to Heaven. Not because of what I have done to serve Him, but because of the fact that I received his free gift of eternal life. So, with all that said, the best Christmas Present ever is Jesus. He came to us born of a virgin and on December 25th, we need to celebrate His Birthday. Happy Birthday Jesus and thank you for being the best Christmas Present ever!

     If you want to know more about how you can receive God's free gift of eternal life, I would love to talk with you and tell you what He has done for me. You can always message me on Messenger!

HAVE A BLESSED WEEK EVERYONE!!       

 

THANKFUL!!

     

     It was February 1994. I boarded a bus on a very cold morning as I was about to encounter a week long mission trip to Mexico City with our churches youth group. I don't know exactly how many were on this trip but it was well over 60 people! Our youth pastor at the time invited me to join the trip for a very good reason. We had plans to develop a new ministry in our church called "Sidewalk Sunday School." That never materialized after our trip but a ministry I developed called Kids in Missions did. I will write about that ministry in an upcoming blog in January. Mexico has been the only third world country I ever visited. Our purpose for this trip was to minister to young children using the Sidewalk Sunday School method. These children lived in absolute poverty. The area they lived in was called "The Garbage Dump." The Sidewalk Sunday School program we did featured clown skits, drama, music, memory verses and a bible lesson. Everything we did was in spanish and the dramas we did we instrumentals all on tape. It was all done outside on dirt roads in the open air. This program was done weekly and was basically the only entertainment these children had. They did not own T.V.'s, laptops, tablets weren't around yet and neither was the internet. We all got dressed up as clowns. We all put on clown makeup in 90 degree heat. Trust me when I say the clown makeup started on our faces and ended up all over our necks by the end of the day.

     I will never forget two particular events that week. The first was very eye opening. We were in the middle of a village and I had to desperately go to the bathroom. An interpreter asked a family if I could use their bathroom in their home and they said yes. When I walked into their home, all I saw was dirt floors, windows with holes in the windows and a leaky roof. The toilet in the bathroom was not even a toilet. It was a hole in the ground. I will never forget what I saw and will admit that I was heartbroken to see a family live in such poverty. The other event was at a church in Mexico City. The pews were cinder blocks with planks as the seats. The floors were all dirt and the roof was made of tin. The drummer on the worship team had a huge hole in his drum and the guitar player played a guitar that had a few strings missing. The people all cried as they worshipped God. I was very moved! The church was very close to the garbage dump and the smell was unbearable. The members of that church did not care. They were all so happy to have the freedom to worship God. In all reality, they were thankful. I returned from that trip and made a promise to myself. I promised myself I would always be thankful and grateful for what I have. Each morning I try my best to thank God for a new day!

     In America we are spoiled! We are also ungrateful! Working in the restaurant industry, I can see how much food is wasted. When our dining room was open at Chick Fil-A, I would always cringe when I would clean a tray off of a table. Many times so much food was wasted. Sometimes it was enough food to feed 5 people. Many of the people I met in Mexico would have loved to have that leftover food! People complain when their sandwiches have pickles on them when they asked for none and they get upset when we refuse to give them 37 Chick Fil-A sauces for one Chick Fil-A sandwich! I have learned to be thankful for what I have. I thank God that I have a bed to sleep in, a roof over my head, a hot shower every morning, a car that gets me around, a warm winter jacket, clothes on my back and two jobs I work at that help me pay my bills. I realize there are people in this world who don't have these things. As we all sit down this Thursday to enjoy a great Thanksgiving meal, let's remember to give thanks to God for ALL he has provided for us! Let's give thanks with a grateful heart!     

 HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!!

THE RIGHT PATH TO CHOOSE

     When I started working for Chick Fil-A 5 years ago, I never thought in a million years that I would have one service on my job description.....Directing traffic. I have worked the register, made desserts, I've been the bagger, worked the window, cleaned the dining room and delivered food. Never ever did I ever believe I would have to direct traffic. Once the pandemic began, our restaurant closed it's dining room and since April we have only been offering drive thru or mobile orders. That means that our guests need to be directed to where they need to go. Trust me when I say it is not a whole lot of fun and leads to A LOT of great comedy. Our restaurant has an entrance that leads to the drive thru, mobile orders and access to our parking lot where Door Dashers, Uber Eats and Grubhub drivers. The drive thru has two lanes and the mobile orders is one lane. Delivery drivers can enter the parking lot on the left. I am amazed how many people get the directions wrong. You tell them to go to the right and they go to the left. You tell them to go in the center lane and they go to the right. My favorite is when you tell them to go down the center land and they say "This center lane?" I always say "the only center land we have!" I have experienced many frustrated people who want to order food yesterday and I've been cursed at, yelled at as well as had major "attitudes" with those lovely New Yorkers. If there was no one there to direct traffic, you would see "mass chaos and confusion" as well as tempers flaring up. Yesterday was Veterans Day and trust me when I say we had cars everywhere. The place was a madhouse and I was out directing traffic at lunchtime and during the dinner hours. I'm glad it's over! It certainly was never on my job description!

     While reflecting on the events I experienced directing traffic, it made me think. This whole scenario reminds me of the Christian walk. Our guests who enter our property have no idea where to go. They need to be directed to the right destination. It could be the drive thru, to pick up a mobile order or they could be picking up a Door Dash, Uber Eats or Grubhub order. They need someone to show them where to go. Even with signage up, many guests take the wrong path or lane. They need someone to point them in the right direction. In life, we need someone to point us in the right direction. We need someone to show us which path to take. His name is Jesus! How many times do we say, just like some Chick Fil-A guests "This way? This path?" God is certainly directing us as to where we need to go. We may not understand it but we do need to trust in Him and say "Yes! God is showing me the right path to take." When we need to make an important decision or just need direction in our lives, we need to remember that God will lead us down the right path. Proverbs 3:5,6 says "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight." He will lead us but we need to make the right decision but letting Him lead us!

HAVE A BLESSED WEEK!! 

  

   

 

 

 

THIS IS NOT A POLITICAL POST

     No no no! This is NOT a political post! I am not a huge fan of politics. I never have been and I never will be. A few weeks ago, one of the young kids I work with at Chick Fil-A asked me who I thought would win the election this year. I kindly told him I do not like to discuss politics and did not answer his question. He understood. If I'm at a party or at church and people start discussing politics, I always walk away. The reason is simple and my family will agree with me and will know who I mean once I reveal the name of the person responsible for my disdain for politics. Ready? ...........GRANDPA HARFF!

     I know I've mentioned my grandfather, my Dad's father in previous blogs. I have to say he was very good to my brother and sister and I. We were his only grandchildren and he did love us the best he knew how. He certainly was not a "huggy, kissy" type of guy whatsoever. He was not a favorite in his neighborhood nor was he ever a "favorite" relative. The one thing he was known for in our family was he loved to argue and he did feel he was always right. The one topic he loved to argue about? POLITICS! As a young kid spending many holidays with him and my grandmother, my grandfather always tried to start and argument over politics. I can't tell you who exactly he argued about. I was very young. It could have been Richard Nixon, Spiro Agnew, Gerald Ford or Jimmy Carter. All I know is that it left a very negative impression on me even to this day. Don't get me wrong. I do follow some politics and I do pray for whoever our President is whether I like him or not. I do pray for our Congress and our Senator and Governor. But I still hate discussing it. I don't feel that discussing it with someone will ever change the outcome. All i know is as a christian man, it is my duty to not only vote, but to pray for our leaders. One of my favorite bible verses is in Proverbs 3:5,6 which says "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and He will make your paths straight." All I know is one thing. Regardless of whether i like or dislike discussing politics and regardless of whoever is our President these next four years, we need to pray for that man who is leading our country whether we agree with them or not!  

HAVE A BLESSED WEEK  

  

      

 

I LOVE THE FALL!!

     My favorite season out of the four seasons is the fall season. The summer gets too hot and the winter gets too cold. I do love snow but I hate shoveling it. I do love walking along the beach in the summer but don't care for the mosquitoes who like to bite you. Spring is okay but truthfully here on Long Island we haven't had much of a spring for many years. The fall is an awesome season. I love the chill in the air but most of all I love when the leaves change color. As a kid, I loved visiting my grandparents in Ringwood, NJ at "The Lake." They lived in a mountainous area that was truthfully an amazing site. The leaves on the trees were so many different colors. Going to Northeastern Bible College also in New Jersey I loved the view there as well. To all of you who think New Jersey is the "armpit of the nation", there are many beautiful places in that state. Not just the factories where the smell is unbearable.

     What I love about the fall season is change. We always know when the leaves change color it means that the weather is changing also. It's no longer 90 degrees outside but more like 50 degrees outside depending on where you live. You can feel that crisp air and you know winter is coming soon. I am not a fan of Halloween simply because I know the history of it. I do know that kids love dressing up and going Trick or Treating. I do love Thanksgiving in November not only because of the great food, but because of the fact that we take that time to thank God for all that we do have and what he has provided for us. As I think about the changes in the weather and the beautiful colors in our landscape, it reminds me of the changes God is doing in our hearts and lives. It says in Jeremiah 29:11 - "For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Let's all embrace the change God is doing in our lives and realize he is doing a beautiful work in us!

ENJOY THE FALL SEASON WHEREVER YOU CALL HOME!  

 

   

 

 

I'VE NEVER DONE THIS BEFORE!!

      Since the fall of 1984 I have been involved in doing puppet ministry. It all started when I was a student at Northeastern Bible College. Each student had to do something called "Christian Service" in order to receive credit. It was my hope that semester that I would discover what my talent was. I tried for every other ministry except puppet ministry because I was not a big fan of working with kids. God had other plans. Puppet ministry was the only open door for me that semester and I walked through it! Within a month, I became the director with absolutely no knowledge of puppet ministry whatsoever. I also directed that ministry the following semester as well. When I returned home from college, my church heard that I did puppet ministry and again I directed the puppet ministry for years well into the beginning of my pastorate as a children's pastor. I always had interest in doing ventriloquism but never knew where to begin. I had a few characters I used in front of the stage where my lips moved and it proved to be successful. I used two characters, Barney Bagel, a horrible looking puppet I found at the church along with Denny the Donkey, a character I used who came out of an oats sack who was always enthusiastic. In 2001, I decided I needed a new method of reaching children and families so after attending a Children's Pastors Conference in San Diego, CA that featured some prominent ventriloquists, I knew it was time to "take the plunge." One of the ventriloquists handed me a book on ventriloquism and I watched it till I wore it out. I bought my first figure "Grandpa Lou" and I have to admit I was very nervous using this newfound method. I practiced his voice in my car as I was driving for months and set the date for his debut that summer at Vacation Bible School. Boy, was I nervous when I did Grandpa Lou for the first time. It was a huge hit. So huge that my pastor asked me to do Grandpa Lou for the Sunday morning service the Sunday after Vacation Bible School. For many years I have purchased other characters and have developed them in my outreach programs as well as at my previous church. With all that said, I am trying my hand at something new. Something I have never done before. Making my own puppets!

     I have always bought my puppets through companies such as Puppet Productions, One Way Street and Axtell Expressions. They are very costly. That's why you will never ever hear of a store called "Puppets 'R Us" or "Puppet Depot." They are not a high commodity. As I looked at various characters I wanted to develop, I discovered that I was in no position financially to buy them so I had to go with Plan B...building my own puppets. Here is the thing though. I might be creative in my writing and creative in ideas I have developed in my children's ministry. When It comes to being "crafty", let's just say it is not my gift. I even struggle "coloring in the lines!" In the last 36 years, I have made ONE PUPPET! Dennis Ball. I tennis ball I glued eyes and a nose on as well as hair and lips. I cut a hole for his mouth and he is my only claim to fame as a puppet builder. As I'm working on a limited budget, I am now building 3 new characters

Chilly the Snowman - An outdoor Christmas snowman decoration I am making into a puppet character. He is as tall as me and has lights. It's been a lot of fun working on him.

Scotty the Singing Christmas Stocking - A 4 foot tall Christmas stocking I purchased from Oriental Trading company that I plan on putting on a stand and adding eyes, a nose and a mouth. He is going to sing Christmas songs!

Rocky Bambino - A rock puppet that will have similar characteristics as the fictional Rocky Balboa character that will feature a fedora, a band aid on his face and he will help me do rope tricks. 

Puppet building has become a new hobby for me. I enjoy thinking of new ideas.  have discovered one thing about me. I am happiest when I get to be creative!

HAVE A GREAT WEEK EVERYONE!! 

  

        

  

UNDERCOVER BOSS

     I am not a huge fan of reality TV. I can't understand how you can find true love on "The Bachelor" or "The Bachelorette." I have never really watched American Idol and I am not a fan of "Survivor" at all. The only reality show I ever watch truthfully is "Undercover Boss." If you are not familiar with the show, the concept is real cool. A CEO of any major corporation wants to see what is taking place in their company and their workers. He or she wears a disguise and they make believe they are filming a reality show which is usually a contest. The workers have no idea who they are and that they are a "Big Wig" in the company. They travel to various locations their companies have a business and get to see what is going on in their company. Of course they are hoping that no one recognizes them. I always laugh when I see some of the ridiculous disguises they have. At the end of the show, the CEO reveals him or herself to the workers and thanks them by giving them substantial amounts of money to either continue a college education, buy a home or help a loved one. It is a fun show and the CEO will always get new ideas on how to improve things in their company and what changes need to be made so that things would run efficiently. If Home Depot or Chick Fil-A tried to have their CEO's go undercover, I would recognize them. I have met the Founders son of Chick Fil-A twice, Dan Cathy and the CEO of Home Depot, Craig Menear, I see him all the time on the TV screen in our Break Room. 

     Lately I have been thinking about this show but looking at it in a different light. Please know that what I am about to share, I am not trying to be sacrilegious. You all know how much I love Jesus with my heart. I would never disrespect my Lord and Savior. Think about this scenario and just bear with me. What would happen if Jesus came into your workplace wearing a disguise? Yes, the Son of God walked into your place of employment. We all know God sees everything and knows everything. But what would He see? Would He see a bad attitude? Would He hear you using profanity? Would He listen to you gossip about your coworkers? Would He say about me "Wow, Dave is really being a great witness for me!" Will He be happy with how hard I work at my Christian Walk? Obviously, Jesus is not wearing a disguise but we are promised in the Bible that one day He will return. We will hear that trumpet sound. I realize many of you have different views on HIs return and about the Rapture. It is now 11:52 p.m. and I'm not in the mood to argue. All I do want to say in conclusion is we all need to be ready for His return but also we all need to be a godly example in our workplace. I admit I work with some very "dark" people as well as unhappy people at Home Depot. I need to be a light in the darkness. At Chick Fil-A, not every employee is a Christian but they know I'm a pastor and they do watch me when things get tough. I need to be a godly example every time I work. I am certainly not perfect, but I strive to do my best wherever and whenever I am working!! God bless you all!  

         

 

WAITING

     I don't have a whole lot share in this blog. I was originally going to blog about a mean lady I work with but earlier this week she was nice to me so I had to trash that idea. I did want to share on another topic I am thinking about and dealing with and that is waiting. I don't know too many people who like to wait. When I work at Chick Fil-A and have to direct traffic, not very many people like to wait. They always ask "How long is this going to take?" No one wants to wait for their food especially at a drive thru. No one wants to wait in line at a bank or at a supermarket. For myself, I have had to wait. I am waiting on God and asking Him to show me what His will is for my life. I am waiting to see what is next for me. I have ideas about what I would like to do, but in reality I need to wait on God. If I can be brutally honest I hate waiting. I am a very patient guy but deep down I want to see things done yesterday. I also know waiting on God is the best thing I can do. So with all that said, I will wait! My answer may not come tomorrow, next week or next month, but all I know is God is in control and I will wait on Him!!   

 

TAKE A RISK & DON'T LOOK BACK

     

     It's been a while since I've blogged. Life gets busy and can get crazy. About a month ago, I decided to spend a week fasting and praying. I am at a place in my life where I need to make some important decisions about my future. I am trying to decide what path to take whether it is ministry or a new career. I wish I could tell you I am 100% sure what the correct answer is. I can only tell you one thing I did hear. I heard God tell me "Take a Risk!" This doesn't mean I heard an audible voice. I heard His still small voice in my heart say "Take a Risk!" 

     When you think about risks, several things come to my mind. I think about the Board game that I have only played maybe twice. I think about athletes who take risks. Many Major League Baseball players who play in the outfield take risks. Should I dive for the ball that was just hit in hopes that I catch it? If I miss it it will go past me and the player who hit the ball might get an inside the park homerun! A hockey or soccer goalie might take a risk coming out of his net to make a save. If he misses the ball the other team might score a goal. In life, we take risks driving in our cars, walking down a busy street, swimming in the ocean or in a pool or riding a bicycle. Let me share with you the risk I feel God wants me to take!

     If I can be brutally honest there is one area in my life I worry about. Finances! Living here on Long Island, NY is a challenge. Let's just say there is a very high cost of living. Since April 13th of this past year after I returned to working at Chick Fil-A after we were closed for 3 weeks, I have worked 7 days a week. I am happy I was working knowing that many in our country are unemployed unfortunately. God has always provided for me but I realize one thing. I am getting tired working 7 days. It is taking it's toll on me. Both of the jobs I have are very physical. The risk I need to take is to work 6 days instead of 7. I realize it will be less money but my health is very important to me. What I do want to work on during my day off is a ministry idea I have. Many of you know that I have been trying for the past year and a half to start my own ministry With this whole pandemic going on it has been difficult. However, one idea I have been working on and will continue to work on is a program I am developing for Christmas called "A Birthday Party for Jesus." My hope is to be able to travel to churches and use my gifts and talents to reach children and families. I am creating 2 new characters as a ventriloquist. Chilly the Snowman and Scotty the Singing Christmas Stocking. Both are characters I am not only creating but building myself. I am also making new gospel illusions as well. I have realized that in these past 7 and a half years, I am happiest when I am being creative. Stay tuned as I work on this new project!

    The second part of this blog is "Don't look back!" I have tried my very best not to look back on what I have been through in 7 and a half years. My goal has always been to just simply move on in life and not dwell on it. In the Bible in Genesis 19, we read about a lady who looked back as Sodom was in total destruction. Her name was Lot's wife. It's interesting that she never had a name. It always intrigued me that her name was never mentioned. The bible only mentions her once by saying that when she looked back at Sodom she turned into a pillar of salt. Why? God was trying to prove a simple point. Stop looking back! I agree it is very sad what happened to Lot's wife. But I also understand that when we look back at circumstances and what has occurred in our lives it only leads to sadness and frustration, especially if it is something we had a hard time dealing with. I have learned a lot in my 7 1/2 years and I am grateful that God has always been there for me through thick and thin. My goal right now is to look ahead and what God has in store and not look back!!!

GOD BLESS YOU ALL AND HAVE A BLESSED WEEK!!

 

 

   

  

 

 

REMEMBER WHEN???

     This past Saturday, my brother Mike went back to our hometown, Chatham, New Jersey and walked around the old neighborhood. Three years ago we did a tour together. We took an entire Sunday to walk around our old neighborhood, look around our old elementary school, walk through the town and visit our childhood home. YES! My brother had met the homeowner a few years before our visit, sent him an email and asked if we could take a tour of our childhood home. He agreed! Talk about a weird experience. So many memories flood your mind when you revisit your childhood roots. It was a simpler time when you are young. During my childhood, I wasn't worried about our troops in Vietnam or the Watergate trial. I worried about doing well in school, making friends and playing. Lately I have been thinking about many things in life that have changed. So let's take a stroll down Memory Lane as we remember when!!

Remember when as a kid, you would sit in the front seat of your car with no seatbelt. When your Mom or Dad made a quick stop, they would stick their arm out to make sure you were safe.

Remember when you rode your bicycle all over town with no helmet and your parents were not the least bit concerned about that. They were happy you were having fun.

Remember when your home telephone would ring and you would pick it up having no clue who was on the other end. This was before "Caller ID". Or how about when you would make a call and get a "Busy signal. Remember also the rotary dial phones. Phone calls took forever!

Remember when you played with your friends in the street? We played hockey, touch football, stickball, kickball and other games. Today, you barely see kids out on the streets playing. Parents today are worried about all the whacko's out there and rightfully so. 

Remember when your family went to a Drive-in Movie theater and you had sleeping bags in the back of your station wagon? It was fun all being together and so cool you could watch a movie in your car!

Remember when you had a black and white TV and in order to get good reception you had to move the rabbit ear antennas on the top of the television?

Remember when you woke up early on a Saturday morning and watched cartoons? There were so many amazing cartoons and shows just for kids. This was way before The Nickelodeon channel or the Disney channel!

     I'm sure there are other things I could mention but I did want to conclude by saying many things in life have changed, but Jesus has never changed. He is the same yesterday, and today, and forever!

HAVE A BLESSED WEEK!

  

  

 

U-TURNS, LEFT TURNS & RIGHT TURNS

     This past May I wrote and posted a blog entitled "Something good is brewing." In the blog, I described three things I wanted to do and goals I wanted to accomplish in the coming year. They were writing a book, working on a Children's Ministry podcast and making comedy videos. In reality and to be blatantly honest I have done maybe 10% of those things. I made one comedy video, I started working on an idea for my book and the podcast has not happened. My reasons for this not to happy are three things. Work! Work and ...work!! I have been blessed to be able to work two jobs knowing there are people in our country who have no jobs and are unemployed and struggling. In reality, I had very limited time to work on projects which brings me to this week's blog. U-turns, left turns and right turns. It seems as though God had and has other plans for me to do. Here is the bottom line. They are not my plans, they are His plans!

     How many times have we been in the car and we got lost? Too many times! Or how about trying to get somewhere much quicker by taking a short cut? I remember in the late 1980's going out on a double date. I took my then girlfriend to a movie with another couple we were friends with. We all met at one of their homes and drove together. After the movie, my friend driving looked at his girlfriend and said "Hey, we should play our game with them!" I had no idea what he was talking about. He had no name for his "game" and told us what it was about. This couple loved to try and get lost in an unfamiliar neighborhood by driving through it and the object of the game was to try to find their way out. I don't exactly remember what town we were in but they began this game by making lefts, rights more lefts and more rights. Each time they were able to find their way out. We played a few times before we went out to our usual hangout...The Diner! This reminds me of us and how we handle things. We are always trying to find our way. We do things our way and the way we feel it should be done forgetting one thing. GOD NEEDS TO BE IN CONTROL! My intentions were good back in May when I wrote that blog and posted it. I really want to do great things for God but it can't be all my way. The reality is I do need to work to get out of debt. I do hope that one day I will be back in full time ministry. Until then, I will make sure to follow everything according to God's plan. Sometimes in life we will need to take U-turns or make a left when we should have made a right. Most of all we need to let God direct us and lead us in the right direction!

GOD BLESS YOU AND ENJOY THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER & BEYOND!!!   

 
 

PRAYERWALKING BEFORE THERE WAS PRAYERWALKING!!!

     

      My purpose for this blog and every blog I write is never to brag. I always want to give God the glory in everything I do including my writing! I also have no intention on putting myself down in any way. The past is the past and you obviously can't change it but...you CAN learn from it! 

     On Saturday, August 15th I was scheduled to work at Chick Fil-A at 5:00 p.m. so I had the majority of the day to myself. I decided to go for a walk at a place I have not been to since 1983 at my brother's High School graduation. Smithtown High School West. Right next door to the high school is my Middle School (Accompsett). I took a few hours and went for a nice walk. I walked around the track a few times then the baseball field. I walked past the tennis courts where I used to play tennis and then walked around by the front doors. I then headed over to Accompsett Middle School and walked around that campus and then walked around the field then back to the Smithtown West track and to the tennis courts where I parked my car. So much has changed, especially around the fields. All the parking lots had metal coverings over them and, to my surprise the handball court was taken down. There were new scoreboards for soccer, baseball and softball and new signs on the buildings. A flood of memories filled my mind as I walked. Some good and some not so good. I thought about the great teachers I had and the fun I had playing in the school band. Walking around Accompsett I thought a lot about when I was asked to be in the Stage Band. I also thought about the times I was picked on by other kids because I was very quiet. I struggled in school and did my best in every class. When I went to high school I did have a lot of friends but I can't honestly say I had a best friend. My first two years I made a lot of friends at our church's youth group and also at Coffeehouse. Most of my friends were much older than I was. I will have to say that my Senior year there I felt like a fish out of water. I really felt alone! I could not wait to start Bible College and I counted the days until graduation and my first day as a student at Northeastern Bible College. As a senior, I decided I had to make the most of it so I filled my schedule with loads of classes. I took a class on how to operate a ham radio and a class on how a radio station operates. I also took a class on flying (obviously an airplane). I'm sure I shocked a lot of people when I announced that I wanted to go into full time ministry. You see I was quiet...VERY QUIET! During my senior year I do need to confess one thing. I developed a burden for my fellow students. I was never the kind of guy who got mixed up with drinking on the weekends or abusing drugs. I was always at church. Saturday nights I was at Coffeehouse and Sunday mornings and Sunday evenings I was at church. It always bothered me when I saw kids my age drinking, or coming into class "high as a kite" or just being "difficult." It was then I decided to do one thing. PRAY! I prayed for my fellow classmates and for the teachers. I walked through the halls on my way to class and prayed. When I was on the bus, I prayed for the rowdy kids in the back of the bus and prayed for them. I asked God to show himself the each student and teacher. It was just a simple prayer. Nothing fancy just a simple "God, let every student and teacher in this school discover how awesome you are!" I graduated in June 1982 and left for Bible College 2 months later.

     I didn't think much about my prayers during my senior year. I never realized it was prayerwalking before prayerwalking was ever a "thing." I never knew how effective those prayers would become until years later. Being the children's pastor in the same town I went to high school in was a rarity for many pastors. One by one I started seeing people from my high school class and high school at my church. While in our auditorium I recognized a guy named John. I went over to him and asked if he attended Smithtown West and he said yes and also recognized me. We became very good friends. An answer to prayer! I remember at one of our Vacation Bible Schools there were two ladies talking. I looked at them and thought "Wow, they look so familiar" only to discover they were fellow classmates. Although I recognized them they did not recognize me even after looking at my yearbook picture the following day! Both ladies faithfully had their kids attend VBS and one of them made SGT their church home. Another answer to prayer! Through the years I met many others who attended my high school and all were walking with the Lord. 

    I am not saying that it was only because of my prayers that many came to church and came to know Jesus in a personal way. I am just so happy to know that a simple prayer I had said each day in the hallways of Smithtown West made an impact on many only because our God is an amazing God who wants to change lives!                             😊              

THE HOME DEPOT

     

      I am so grateful the Lord opened a door for me to get a job at Home Depot. It came at the perfect time. During the month of January this past year I was down to one job. The job I had at the machine shop ended in December and I'm glad it did. I was basically being paid "off the books" and ended up paying for it from my good friends from the lovely IRS. My other job was being a personal aide to a handicapped college student who attended Stony Brook University. That job was not scheduled to start until late January. I knew I needed a "3rd job" and decided "Why not give Home Depot a shot?" Truthfully, I applied to Home Depot many times in the past and was never granted an interview. As we all know in today's day and age, the only way you can apply for a job was to do it all online. And that's what I did in late January. On February 5th I was called in for an interview. The interview lasted maybe 10 minutes and I was told "If we feel you are a viable candidate, you will receive an email and we'll ask you to come back for a second interview." I just left it all in God's hands. After all, this would be my third job maybe 20 hours a week tops. I went in for the second interview and I was asked the same exact questions I was asked in the first interview and was offered a part time job in the Garden Department. I was thrilled! I attended an orientation class on February 29th and began training on March 3rd. The training was all done online. On March 7th I made my debut as a Garden Associate. My training consisted of following another Associate for a few hours to learn the in's and outs of the Garden Department at Home Depot South Setauket, NY. 

     When I say this job turned out to be a blessing I sincerely mean it. In Early March the pandemic hit us hard. My job with my college student was put on "hold" and on March 23rd, Chick Fil-A was forced to close its doors because a team member tested positive for COVID-19! We were closed for 3 weeks but the owner graciously paid us for the time we missed. That meant I was only really working one job! The Home Depot! I knew I needed to make more money to survive so I approached the HR department and told them my other job was forced to close its doors. I am available and day and any time you need me. Well, Home Depot did not disappoint me. In fact they offered me 40 hours a week. Not too shabby for a guy who never worked for them before. When Chick Fil-A reopened on April 13th, there were no guarantees they were going to stay open. I realized someone could test positive again. They also did not open at 6:30 a.m. but 11 a.m. I was not given my usual 24 hours I was used to only maybe 12 -14 hours. So since late March I've been pretty much full time with Home Depot. My job with the college student never started up again. I've learned a lot at Home Depot! Our department handles all garden supplies including lawn mowers, weed wackers, chain saws, garden tools, plants, topsoil, sod and cleaning supplies. Of course dealing with the general public in New York is so much fun and provides great comedy on a daily basis. This past week I was told I would be switching a different department...DELIVERIES! I have been training these past few weeks how to shop for BOPUS orders (Buy online pay in store). I think it's ironic that I am being paid to shop because that is one thing I always hated doing. The only place I did like to shop was the hardware store. I remember being very young and my Father took me with him to a hardware store in Chatham, NJ. he man behind the counter always gave out tootsie rolls. I also loved the smell of a hardware store. Now I'm being paid to shop for people at  hardware store. God has a sense of humor!! So we shall see what is next in my adventures in life!       

DECISIONS, DECISIONS, DECISIONS!

     I don't have a whole lot to say in this week's blog. The biggest reason is found in the title for this week's blog. Decisions, Decisions, Decisions. If I can be brutally honest (I always am!), there are areas in my life I need to make huge decisions about. One in particular is my career path. Living here in New York on this Island we call Long Island has been a challenge for me. Working 2 jobs that both don't pay so well has been my biggest frustration. I realize I don't have any chance making a career with Chick Fil-A as a leader and as far as Home Depot I have only been with them for 5 months. They did ask me to work in the Deliveries department for a few weeks but again for me to get any kind of promotion will not be for a while. I am very grateful that I have been working during the entire pandemic. I realize there are many who have been unemployed. During the month of August, I will be praying about what career path I need to take. I do have ideas for ministry goals but as far as what career path I need to take in the coming months and years, I need to make some big decisions about that. Not only will I be in prayer about it, I plan on fasting in the coming weeks to really hear from God. I know God has big plans for me. God bless you all and enjoy your week!  

THERE ARE MORE IMPORTANT THINGS IN LIFE THAN NO RANCH SAUCE IN YOUR BAG!

     It's never a dull moment at Chick Fil-A or in any business where you deal with the general public. I am not writing this blog to bash people or the business I work for. This is all just an observation and how we can apply life situations with our own lives. There is a lot of comedy in working with the general public but I also see a lot of entitlement and attitudes. I do meet many nice people who are grateful we are serving them with a smile. For me it's a job and I appreciate the paycheck. My heart does break for how people my own age treat our young workers who are out in the sun working real hard. They don't deserve to be treated harshly. Okay, my rant is over!

     With our dining room closed at Chick Fil-A for probably quite some time, we are only doing drive thru and mobile orders. Our lines are long and people are impatient. I discovered a new oxymoron. Patient New Yorker!! A few weeks ago I had the job of delivering food to cars who placed mobile orders. I would have to say people are somewhat patient and some offer tips. It is always our job to put our guests first which is what I personally try to do. If you know me, you know I give 100& in all I do. One particular guest had a reaction that really stood out to me. He ordered a few meals and asked for ranch sauce. Our baggers do a great job making sure everything is in the right bags. I walked up to his car, said his name and handed him his food and beverages in a basket so we have contactless deliveries. The man looked at me and said "Wait, before you go. Let me make sure there is ranch sauce in the bag." He went through the bag and saw his sauces. I didn't say a word and waited for him to look. He then looked at me and said "You know, the last time I was here you forgot to put ranch sauce in my bag!" He wasn't rude, just very direct. My first thought was "I forgot? I don't ever remember seeing you before, sir?" I smiled at him and said, "We do our best, sir." His response was "Well, you did forget." Again, he wasn't being mean but I could tell he was upset about the fact that the last time he was at our Chick Fil-A, "we" forgot his ranch sauce. Who knows, it could have been last week, last month even last year. He certainly didn't forget about it. When I walked away, I could hear that voice in my head say "There are more important things in life than no ranch sauce in your bag!" 

     This got me thinking (I know that's very scary when I think!), if our life was a bag, do we expect God to constantly fill it with what we want? Do we expect God to give us our every desire like a magical Genie? I also thought to myself, what is important to me? What God does for me or what I do for God? Do I wave my "Bag of Life" at God and say "Okay God, it's been a while since you have blessed me. When is it my turn?" That man at Chick Fil-A was only concerned about his food and what sauce he wanted for his meal. I'm sure if he was inside the store, he would probably want 10 more ranch sauces. My question for all of us is simple. Are we holding out the "Bag of Life" expecting God to only bless us with what we want? Or are we asking God to hold out his bag and say, "Hey God, how can I bless you today? What can I do to make a difference in this world?" For me, I want to strive to bless God and be used by him. Whether I'm selling chicken to New Yorkers or lawn mowers at Home Depot to people who want it half price. There are important things in life! I pray you discover how amazing God is and put him first in your life!

HAVE A BLESSED WEEKEND!!! 

❤

     

     

LESSONS WE CAN LEARN FROM "ROCKY"

     One of my favorite movies of all time is the movie Rocky, by Sylvester Stallone. I realize it is very bloody and violent but I always appreciated the storyline. Ironically the one sport I have never been a huge fan of is the sport of boxing. The thought of 2 grown men beating the tar out of each other in a boxing ring is not my cup of tea. When I was very young I did want to know the results of an Ali/ Frazier boxing match but as I got older boxing was not my thing. I don't even like when the fight during a hockey game!

     The Original Rocky movie was a low budget project and was an idea that Sylvester Stallone had watching a previous boxing match where an unknown boxer Chuck Wepner fought Muhammad Ali and gave him a run for his money. It became a huge box office smash and won an Oscar for Best Picture in 1976. Without going through the entire movie, I just want to focus on a few things. There is a scene where Rocky and Adrian are in Rocky tells Adrian "I can't win." He then tells Adrian he just wants to "Go the distance" which means he wanted to last all 12 rounds of the fight without being knocked out. We see Rocky train real hard, going for long runs, punching raw meat in a meat factory and training real hard. Apollo Creed, the heavyweight champion does not train and is looking at this fight as a "great show." He only chooses Rocky Balboa as his opponent because he likes his nickname "The Italian Stallion." During the fight Rocky does the impossible and knocks out the Champ, something that has never happened. If this fight were to take place today, it would have been stopped in the first or second round. But, of course this is Hollywood! As the fight goes on Rocky takes a beating and refuses to be knocked out. My favorite part in the movie is when Apolo knocks out Rocky, Rocky gets up and motions to Apollo "come on." Apollo looks at Rocky in disbelief and the announcer says "Apollo can't believe it!" Both fighters are badly beaten, bloody, both have swollen faces and the fight ends. Apollo wins the fight but Rocky's goal was set. He went the distance!

     This movie is only a movie but it has always inspired me to "Go the distance" with various areas of my life. I am not the kind of guy who likes to put all my "dirty laundry" on my blog. I do wear my heart on my sleeve. I was told when I was a pastor that you should never be too transparent. I disagree. I believe people need to see that pastors are not perfect and are people too. Of course you don't want to share every intimate secret of your life! There are too many pastors who want you to believe they have it all together. They don't. I want to share with you areas in my life where I want to continue to "Go the distance" and never "throw in the towel." As I share them, it is not my way of complaining or whining, but they are areas I want to grow in and see changes in as I "Go the distance."

1. WITH LIFE DECISIONS

 

     Ever since I resigned from SGT, I have been trying to figure out what career path to take. I have tried everything from limo driving, sales, restaurant management, Home Depot and Chick Fil-A. If you know me, my heart is ministry. It has been since I was 17 years old. I am presently working 2 jobs. I am full time at Home Depot and part time at Chick Fil-A. Both jobs are very physical. I do try to stay in shape but I realize I do need a new career path in order to survive living on Long Island. I will "Go the distance" and see what plans God has for me. 

2. WITH FORGIVENESS

     Since 2013, there are a number of people I need to forgive. People who have hurt me. All of them hurt me by different ways and they all have a story. Some of them may not even realize they did me wrong but I realize I need to forgive them. I have just started a personal study on what the bible says about forgiveness. There are days I feel like I have forgiven. There are other days I want to get even. I'm not going to lie. So with all that said, I hope to one day have 100% forgiveness in my heart. I am willing to "Go the distance" in my forgiveness. It will not be easy but it does need to happen.

3. WITH MY TWO OLDEST CHILDREN

     I am the father of four kids. I do get to spend time with my two youngest kids who are 19 and 14. My two oldest kids will not speak to me. To say it's heartbreaking and painful is an understatement. It has been a wound in my heart that is beyond painful that I wake up to every morning. I even hate writing this because all I want is reconciliation and to see a healing in our relationship. I want to one day sit down with them and find out what I did that is so terrible. I have sent letters to them that have been ignored with no response. They are 27 and 25. Both work jobs and live with their Mom. I am not giving up and I will "Go the distance" when it comes to reconciliation. I have asked God many times "Why is this taking so long?" but I also know as the enemy has tried to pound on me and tried to knock me out, I am still taking the punches but I refuse to go down! one day I look forward to my blog that will say "Reconciliation." I know God is in control!

4. IN MY WALK WITH GOD

     

     I have been a Christian since 1977. I was a shy 8th grader when I asked Jesus to be my Lord and Savior. For the past 42 and a half years I have tried my best to live the Christian life. In my high school years, as a bible college student, as I have worked various jobs, in my 22 years as a pastor and through good times as well as bad. The bible says in 1 Timothy 6:12 to "Fight the good fight of the faith." I have tried in all my years to live the Christian life the best that I can. I have made mistakes simply because I am human and I am not perfect. Only Jesus is perfect. So as I "run the race" I continue to "fix my eyes on Jesus" and "Go the distance" when it comes to my walk with God. As the enemy tries his best to knock me down, I will stay on my feet and "Go the distance" knowing one day when I die, Jesus will say to me "Well done good and faithful servant."

     I hope after you read this, it will encourage you to "Go the distance." To conclude, I want to quote Rocky Balboa who famously said "I ain't no bum." Don't be a bum!! Go the distance!!